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April 30, 2010

My View


Does anyone else hear the little wet birdie saying "Lindsey, go home, put on PJs, cuddle with your pups, and watch lifetime movies all day"?

It is nasty here today which is causing me to have little motivation to get anything productive done.  And, Mr. Weather Man is saying our entire weekend will be just like this.

Blah.

April 29, 2010

National Infertility Awareness Week

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week.  While I am so thankful that there is a week to spread awareness and knowledge about infertility, I am saddened that there even needs to be a week about infertility awareness.  It makes me so sad to think about all of the women that are suffering from infertility and that are still waiting to start a family.  I thought I would share a bit more of my struggle with infertility during this important week.

In 2008, after several complications, I had surgery and was diagnosed stage 4 endometriosis.  While starting a family had not been on our radar prior to my diagnosis, it became a priority when realizing what we were actually facing.  And so began our journey.  We tried on our own for a bit without success and then pulled out the big guns and scheduled a consult with a fertility specialist in town.

We began with test after test to see if we were battling anything other than just my endometriosis and thankfully, we were not.  We started treatment about 2 months after our initial consult with a fertility specialist.  Over the course of a year, I went through three failed IUI cycles.  There is nothing worse than spending thousands of dollars each month on medication, blood work, ultrasounds, and appointments only to be crushed at the end of a cycle when you find out that you are, yet again, not pregnant.  Repeat this month after month and it starts to wear on you.

After our third IUI cycle failed, my doctor decided that it was in our best interest to move on to In-vitro fertilization.  I was on board instantly as I was at the point where I would do anything to have a baby.  We saved for a few months as our insurance does not cover any type of fertility treatment and IVF runs about $15,000 an attempt.  In June of 2009 we started our first IVF cycle.

After surviving the process, I was elated to discover that we were officially expecting.  However, my excitement was short lived.  Less than two weeks after finding out we would finally have our baby, we learned that it was just as quickly going to be taken away from us.  I was now an unfortunate member of both the infertility category and the miscarriage survivor category - both titles I never thought I would hold at the age of 24.

After taking a substantial amount of time away from treatment to heal mentally and physically, Alex and I again decided to attempt our last round of IVF.  I started my medication while in Hawaii in November 2009 - what a relaxing start to a very stressful process!  The entire cycle was easier tht the time before.  I knew what to expect and I had already reached rock bottom - I didn't have any further to fall which made everything seem more relaxed.  I also was guarded and did not have the excitement and hope that I had during our first attempt.

On December 18, 2009 I saw what I was looking for - a positive pregnancy test.  I was very excited but very hesitant to get my hopes up.  After several rounds of blood work to monitor my pregnancy hormones, I was finally confident that I was indeed pregnant and things were looking much better than the first go around.

Everything was going well until I hit 9 weeks.  We dealt with some significant complications that I am just not ready to open up about.  Thankfully, sweet Kate was safe and sound and stuck around! 

As I sit here typing this, my little girl is kicking away and reminding me that she is a fighter and that her momma is a survivor of the painful label that is known as infertility and pregnancy loss.

I am so thankful to be on the other side of this horrific journey but, I am reminded daily that so many women are not blessed to experience the joys of the "other side".  There are currently 7.3 million Americans that are battling infertility.  If you have a spare moment, please take some time to educate yourself about infertility and treatment.  If you know someone struggling with infertility, send them a note to let you know they care, give then an extra hug, send them an e-mail - anything that will let them know you are pulling for them.  It really will mean the world!

And, if you are a Mom - squeeze your babies a bit tighter tonight, love them a little bit harder, and know how blessed you are to experience the joys of motherhood!

"He settles the barren women in her home as the happy mother of children.  Praise the LORD."  Psalms 113:9

April 28, 2010

22 Weeks!!!!



How Far Along: 22 weeks

Total Weight Gain: 9.5 pounds as of my appointment today!  Right on track with the 1 pound a week my doctor wants from here on out!

Maternity Clothes: Wearing a lot more maternity clothes these days!  The only thing non-maternity that I still wear are tops and a few dresses.

Stretch Marks: I noticed a few on my bum last Friday when I was doing my progesterone shot.  Just stay off my belly please!!!

Best Moment this Week: Hearing that everything is going perfectly these days and that my appointments can be every 2.5-3 weeks instead of every 2 weeks!!!

Movement: Feeling movement pretty much all day now!

Food Cravings: None

Labor Signs: NO!

Belly Button Innie or Outtie: Innie

What are You Looking Forward to this Week: Picking our crib up this weekend - it is here!!!!

April 27, 2010

Our Sweet Pups!!!

So, I'm pretty sure most of y'all know that our fur babies go to doggie day care at least 2 times a week.  Sadie started when she was a wee little pup back in 2008 - and boy was she tiny, momma was scared to leave her.  Sweet little thing she was.  Just look at this cuteness:

Fell free to notice my small thighs and waist as well - hopefully I see that again at some point in 2011.

Our dogs attend Happy Tails Doggie Day Care right near our house and love it.  Here in Houston, it is harder to get your dog in a good doggie day care than it is to get your child into a reputable day care center (I kid - kind of - but the day care post for Kate is coming and let's just say, that whole situation stresses me out).  You need a referral from a long standing family, will be put on a wait list (one of my co-workers waited 6 months to get her English Bulldog George into Happy Tails), and your dog has to be temperament tested prior to acceptance! 

Sadie thrived at doggie day care and was awarded dog of the week in September 2008 (at less than a year old - over achiever like her momma) and is just loved by all of the staff.  She loves going to day care!  She is queen of the Romper Room and loves to sit on the futon and either let other dogs hop up for a nap or give them a not so nice look letting them there is no chance they are taking up precious futon space.  Some may call that bossy but, I just call her a natural leader!

Needless to say, Sadie girl was not a happy camper when her brother bear took over the house AND started going to day care with her.  It was a rough few months with the two of them getting adjusted to each other but, they are best buds now!  And, according to our favorite Happy Tails employees, they love playing with each other at school.  And Ollie loves protecting his big sister - they are known as "the twins" - I'm guessing b/c they look almost identical (they have the same parents just different litters).

Today, when Alex picked them up from school, he was told to check out the Happy Tails Facebook page for some new pictures.  We did just that and oh my - the cuteness is just unbearable!  I just have to share.

Sadie and Ollie

Sadie, Oliver, and Bonnie (a school friend)

Oliver

So, there you have it - yet another reason to think that I might be a little crazy.  But, could you resist loving these dogs either?  I am scared to see what I am like when I have a real baby instead of just fur babies - Kate doesn't know what she is getting into!!

April 26, 2010

4

That would be the number of times I had to get out of the bed and go to the bathroom last night between the hours of 11- 5:30.  Really?  4 times?

While I am so thankful to be pregnant and love that I have a baby girl on the way, I will be very excited when my bladder is no longer Kate's personal trampoline/ jungle gym.

No wonder I am so tired all of the time!

April 23, 2010

Yummy!

(Please ignore my cluttered desk)

So my co-worker (who is also a great friend - that tends to happen when you spend 85% of your time on the road traveling with someone) dropped a little treat off to me after lunch!

She knows me too well!  A strawberry cupcake from Crave!  It was delish and I guess the sugar got to Kate because she has been kicking pretty hard every since!

Thanks Courtney!!

Exciting Weekend Ahead!!!

I am pretty pumped about this weekend! 

Tonight I am going to try to squeeze pedis in with two of my great friends (Sus and Missey), organize our Master closet, and hang out with Alex a bit.

Saturday morning I have to take Sadie to the vet for a check-up and shots.  Then, Saturday afternoon we are showering my other great friend Melissa!  Melissa is getting married in the Virgin Islands (and I am very bitter that my doctor said no to me going) in late May so we are taking some time to celebrate her!  She is actually getting legally married today - they are having a civil ceremony at 3pm to make things official so they don't have to worry with all the paper work of getting married in the VI!

Sunday we are trying out the church we visited Easter Sunday again.  I want to see what a normal Sunday is like to see if we think it may be a place to call our church home.

I'm going to try to be better with taking pictures so that I can actually have some fun things to upload!  I hope everyone has a great weekend as well. 

Do any of you have big plans?

April 22, 2010

"It feels like a worm."

Here's a little story for y'all!

I think I have mentioned before but, I can feel Kate's kicks from the outside and have been trying to get Alex to feel them too. Well, Kate is stubborn (hmmm, I wonder where she gets that from? It couldn't possibly be from her angelic mother - haha!) and always stops kicking as soon as Alex puts his hand on my belly.

Last night though, Kate was kicking away and I told Alex he could probably feel one! About 3-5 minutes after putting his hand on my belly, he felt it. And he said "It feels like a worm." Um, I'm not sure what about a kick feels like a worm but, apparently it does to my husband! It made me laugh as that is just so typical of Alex to say something like that!

I'm glad his first feeling of his daughter reminded him of a worm!

Another funny Alex story.

At brunch this past weekend, he decided to announce that he wouldn't be calling the baby Kate - he would call her Katie. Fine, no big deal. But, I asked why. And he said, "because Kate reminds me of Kate Gosselin and I just can't call my baby that."

Um, thanks honey.

So, let's all pray that I don't birth a worm that comes out sporting the reverse mullet a la Kate Gosselin.

April 21, 2010

21 Weeks!


Things are going well pregnancy wise!  Kate is now the size of a large banana and weighs a little more than 12 ounces!  The only thing that is not so fun is my new ability to not sleep.  I toss and turn all night long trying to find a comfortable position.  Hopefully this is just a phase that passes soon!

How Far Along: 21 weeks

Total Weight Gain: 7.5 pounds at my last check - I will know more next week

Maternity Clothes: Wearing a lot more maternity clothes after my big shopping spree! 

Stretch Marks: A few light ones on my left hip.  I'm just hoping they stay away from the belly!

Best Moment this Week: Registering with my Mom!!!!

Movement: I am feeling some type of movement every hour.  I also noticed last night that you can see kicks from the outside if you know where to look!

Food Cravings: None

Labor Signs: NO!  Thank goodness!  I am pretty much contraction free these days!!!

Belly Button Innie or Outtie: Innie

What are You Looking Forward to this Week: Not baby related but my good friend Melissa's wedding shower that I am hosting on Saturday!!!!

April 20, 2010

Registering, Brunch, and Organizing!

Back to my weekend with my Mom!

Saturday morning Alex left super early to go fishing in the Gulf.  My Mom and I got ready, took the dogs to doggie day care, and headed off to register.  If I was a well versed blogger, I would have pictures of me registering.  However, I am not so no pictures!

We had a great time but I was exhausted by the end of the day.  We started out at a local baby store then headed to Babies R Us.  I think we covered all of necessary items!

By the time we got back to the house Saturday evening, all I wanted to do was sit on the couch!  Alex grilled pork chops for dinner and we just hung out for the rest of the night!

Sunday morning we headed to Grand Lux for brunch.  I love their brunch and always eat way too much!  Here is a picture of my Mom and I before ordering:

It started raining while we were running errands after brunch so, instead of staying out, we just came back to the house.  My Mom helped me organize the closets in the office and the nursery and we put some stuff up in the attic.  I also realized that the nursery is a bit smaller than I think it is and we won't have room for all of the furniture I was planning.  We decided to move the tall dresser I was going to refinish into the walk in closet in the office so we can still use it but have more space in Kate's room! 

I'm so glad Mom was here to help!  I know Alex was not looking forward to organizing so, he was very happy to get off the hook!

April 19, 2010

Goodies from Mimi and Smocked Dresses!!!

So, I mentioned that Kate's Mimi brought several goodies for us when she came to visit!  I thought I would show them off!

Mimi made several cute burp clothes so Kate can spit up in style!
She also made a flannel quilt and matching burpies!  The quit is going to be great for tummy time, a nice stroll when it is chilly, or any other time when Kate needs a soft, cuddle blankey!


And last, but certainly not least, an MSU burpie because we all know Kate will be cheering on her Bulldogs and ringing her cow bell as soon as she can!


Onto smocked dresses!  I had four come in the mail this weekend and love, love, love them!  Please notice the sweet monogram on the floral dress and the precious needle point ducks on the pink gingham dress!


I think this red and white polka dot one will be perfect for Kate to wear when meeting Minnie Mouse in December!  And the floral dress will be perfect for next fall!

My New Wardrobe!!

I have a lot to blog about from this weekend! I had an amazing visit with my Mom and have decided I would get so much more done if she just lived here or came out every other week to help me! I'm going to blog each day so I'll start with Friday!


I left work a bit early to go pick Mom up from the airport and we headed to The Galleria to shop for some maternity clothes. I am still fitting in regular tops and some of my regular pants but, really needed some maternity work clothes. I got so much stuff! I think I came home with 7 dresses (work and weekend appropriate), a pair of denim capris, a pair of khaki shorts, 2 pairs of dress pants, and a few tops. As hesitant as I was to get into maternity clothes, I have to say that I am loving the elastic waist! Super comfy for my growing belly!

Here are some pictures of a few things that I got:

Dresses:


Capris and Shorts:
I am still lacking in the jeans department but am not too sure if I really want to shell out a ton of money on a pair that I actually like. It is about to get super hot here and jeans just won't be on my list of things to wear. I also would like to find a cute denim skirt. I didn't have any luck this weekend with that though. The work clothes and the other dresses I got are cute as well - I just didn't want to overload everything with pictures!

After shopping we came back to the house and I saw all of the cute things my Mom has been making Kate - I'll have to take pictures of it all tonight! She made a flannel quilt and tons of precious burp clothes!! I can’t wait to see what else she comes up with!!

We ordered our favorite Mexican in for dinner - I just wasn't in the mood to fool with cooking or eating out so we had delicious Filet Fajita's from the best place in town - El Tiempo! Be jealous - they were delish!!

Up next: Registering!


April 16, 2010

I'm so Excited!!!


Whenever I say “I'm so excited" I am instantly reminded of the Saved by the Bell episode where Jessie is addicted to caffeine pills and starts singing "I'm so excited, I'm so, so scared". Classic SBTB episode! Anyone else think of that?

Ok, on to why I am excited!


My Mom will be in Houston for 3 days in approximately 3.5 hours! I am super pumped about this. I haven't seen my momma since January and I am in need of a fix! We have big plans for the weekend that include registering, seeing The Last Song, shopping a bit, and many more fun, girly things!

I hear she is bringing some goodies for Kate and I cannot wait to see them!!!

April 15, 2010

Appointment Update!

Everything looks wonderful!  Here are the stats:

Weight Gain: 3 pounds in 1.5 weeks
Total Weight Gain: 7.5 pounds!
Blood Pressure: 110/60
Kate's Heart rate: in the 160s
Kate's Weight: 12 ounces
Everything looks good contraction wise and there are no signs of labor in the near future!  I have some really cute ultrasound pictures of Kate's profile that I will post when I get home and can take a picture of them!  She was sucking her thumb again (although we didn't get a picture of it) so I am thinking we won't need pacis and will have a bad habit to break at some point! 

I am so thankful things are looking good!!!

April 14, 2010

20 Weeks - Half Baked!

I feel like my belly just popped over night!  It was not there when we were in Mississippi!  At least I am starting to look more pregnant!  We are half way done (well more than half way since she will be delivered at 38 weeks) with the pregnancy!  It has flown by!!


How Far Along: 20 weeks

Total Weight Gain: 4.5 pounds - I will get an update tomorrow

Maternity Clothes: Still in regular clothes.  My mom is visiting this weekend and I am thinking we may go to the Galleria and get me a few things!

Stretch Marks: No

Best Moment this Week: Seeing Kate's bedding come together.  My Mom is doing and amazing job!!  Here's a sneak peak at the bumper and skirt - the dark pinkish color in the middle is not a crib sheet (we will do lighter pink).  It is what the skirt is attached to.


Movement: It is way more frequent and much stronger now!  I can feel it from the outside but, whenever I tell Alex to try and feel, Kate stops kicking.  She is being stubborn already!  I wonder who she gets that from?

Food Cravings: Still drinking milk like crazy.

Labor Signs: Yes - I am still contracting.  It seems to be much more frequent after I have worked all day.  I see my doctor tomorrow to figure out our plan as I am done with the antibiotics and should be infection free now.

Belly Button Innie or Outtie: Innie

What are You Looking Forward to this Week: My Mom's visit this weekend!  We are going to be busy registering at the local baby store, buying maternity clothes, getting pedis, seeing Last Song, and hanging out!  I am very excited since I haven't seen her since January!!!

April 13, 2010

Jackson Recap!!!

We had a great (but quick) trip to Jackson, MS this past weekend! One of Alex's childhood friends just graduated from Officer Candidacy School in the Army so we were there to celebrate his accomplishments before he heads to Signal school in August!

We flew in pretty late on Friday which resulted in me falling asleep on the couch while Alex and his parents caught up and watched a bit of TV.

Saturday we headed to the crawfish boil. I had a few crawfish but, apparently Kate doesn't realize she has South Louisiana blood in her and revolted. I had the worst heartburn in a matter of 15-20 minutes. So, I stopped and just watched everyone else enjoy my favorite Spring food! I will say that not eating crawfish meant I didn't want a beer which worked out nicely!

We headed to Cory's deer camp in the middle of nowhere Saturday evening for a bonfire and to hang out. I headed back to the ILs around 9 and Alex stayed the night to hang out with everyone. Pregnant ladies and deer camp just don't mix very well. To give you a better understand, deer camp = double wide trailer in the middle of no where decorated with deer heads/ mounted wildlife. While it is very fun to hang out and enjoy adult beverages from time to time, it is not a place where a pregnant lady can be very comfortable!

Sunday morning we enjoyed our time with Alex's parents, ate some good food, and headed to the airport. Our flight was late causing us to get back home much later than anticipated but, it was well worth it to see family and friends!

However, I am still recovering from the flight and lack of sleep I have been getting lately! I wish I had pictures to share but, I forgot to take any. I am pretty bummed about that because I actually took time to do something with my self (hair, make-up, cute sun dress) for the party!

Edited:
I can't believe I forgot about one of the most exciting things about the weekend!  And, I have a picture!  Meet Mr. Peacock!
My ILs live out in the country and one of their neighbors down the road has peacocks.  Well, this guy has decided to make the ILs house/ shed/ shop his new home.  He comes over regularly and hops up on top of the car shop and struts his stuff trying to attract a mate.  He doesn't realize that there aren't female peacocks at my ILs but, he spreads his tail feathers and puts on a show anyways.

I guess he got tired of putting on a show and decided to take a little rest in the yard!  Alex snapped this picture while Mr. Peacock was lounging! 

April 12, 2010

If I Could Go Part Time Today

I would. And I would spend my afternoons or days off sleeping.


Gosh I was not ready for this type of exhaustion. I know some of it is related to our trip but, I have been struggling for the past few weeks with utter exhaustion in the afternoons. A man must have spread those nasty rumors about second tri energy. Because it is just a big fat lie for me. I am more tired now that I was in first tri!

I plan to talk to my doctor about it at my appointment on Thursday. Not sure what we can do but I am willing to try anything at this point.

I can't be the only exhausted second tri'er out there, can I?

April 11, 2010

Flying is no longer my friend

Who would have thought the person that flew more than 100,000 miles in 2009 and loved time on a plane would absolutely HATE flying with a passion?

Well, the time has come.  Pregnancy, me, and planes just don't go together.  We just got home from our weekend in Jackson (I'll recap tomorrow) and I am in so much pain.  My back is killing me and I am exhausted - and this was just a quick, one hour flight.

I have two more flights this pregnancy (both next month) and I am already dreading getting on a plane. 

However, I will never fly again if it means I have a beautiful daughter!  I am heading to bed to hopefully get a good night's sleep and will update about our quick trip tomorrow (without pictures because I forgot to take any).

April 8, 2010

Sneak Peak!

Kate's Mimi has been hard at work!

Random Things I Ponder

So, I have a lot of random thoughts going through my head - I figured I mine as well get them out!

1. Who will Kate look like?
This has consumed many of my thoughts as I am seriously confused as to what Kate is going to look like.  Alex has very strong Native American Indian (also known as First People - did you know that's what they want to be called?  My MIL is a First People so she knows this stuff!) blood in him and I am very pale and Irish.  I was a blonde haired, blue eyed child that wore lots of sunscreen.  My FIL (father-in-law) is also Irish and has a fair complexion and red hair.  We also have red hair on my side (my grandfather, sister, and nephews are all red heads).  This is where the confusion comes in - who will win?  I know the First People genes are STRONG but, Alex has to have recessive genes in him given his Dad's traits are recessive and I have them as well given the fact that my parents are not carrying both dominate traits since my sister is red headed and I have blue eyes (both of those are recessive traits).  Yeah, I have thought about this way too much - thank you freshman biology (and Mrs. Freeland - the best biology teacher EVER) for my limited knowledge of dominant/ recessive genetic traits!

Any guesses?  So many combos - dark hair/ dark eyes, dark hair / light eyes, light hair/ light eyes, light hair/ dark eyes, red hair / light eyes?  I am seriously at a loss here and it is driving me CRAZY!!

2. When will my first night of good sleep be?
I am already not sleeping well.  I know parents get excited about their children sleeping through the night (STTN) but, right now, I am getting excited about the first time I will STTN.  It just doesn't happen anymore.  Will I put Kate in the nursery to sleep my first night as a mom?  Will it be when my mom or MIL are here visiting and I give them night duty?  Will I even be able to shut my brain off enough to sleep if someone else is watching my baby?  Hmmm....

3. Will they allow me to have sushi and a vodka tonic at the hospital?
I promise I am not a lush.  But, something about a good vodka tonic with extra lime sounds very appealing to me right now (and has for most of the pregnancy).  Do you think Alex can sneak in some Vodka and make me one as a thank you for birthing his child?  Maybe Sus or Melissa can sneak some in?  I need to think this one through a bit more!

4. Do maternity pants exist that don't give you a diaper butt?
Seriously, all maternity pants have a huge saggy butt in them.  Please let me know if you have found some that don't.  I really think maternity pants makers think all pregnant women gain weight in their belly, butt, and thighs.  Not this pregnant lady.  So, please offer me something that looks halfway acceptable.

5. Will I be a mean bitty during labor or be calm?
I think my sister would put her house and every penny she has to her name on the "mean bitty" bet.  However, I am thinking I just might surprise some people and be very atypical Lindsey by giving up control for the day and just go with the flow.  After all, I have not the slightest clue when it comes to birthing a baby.

6. Can I get my doctor to write me out of work early?
This is by far the most important of all of these thoughts.  I am already over work.  I am not very motivated and I am just tired all of the time making me a pretty useless employee.  I am hoping to get a solid 2-3 weeks at home to unwind prior to Kate's arrival.

7. Is it worth it to wear cute shoes but suffer through lower back pain?
The answer to this question every morning is "YES Lindsey, wear those precious platform, peep toe pumps with the 4 inch heel.  You will feel awesome in them which will make your day better". 

The answer every night is "OMG Lindsey, what were you thinking.  Swollen feet and a sore back are so not worth wearing cute shoes.  No one sees your feet - you just sit at a desk.  Wear flats tomorrow." 

However, I never seem to remember the prior night's convo with myself the next morning and I repeat the circle all over again.

Ok - I'll stop before any of you that don't already think I am not right in the head start to feel that way!

April 7, 2010

19 Weeks!


Yes I am tiny and no I don't want to hear about it!  I was a tiny person to begin with - this belly is a lot for me! 

How Far Along: 19 weeks

Total Weight Gain: I had an appointment on Monday due to my weekend issues and am up another half pound.  So, total weight gain is currently 4.5 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Still in regular clothes.  As we transition to Spring I am realizing that my regular dresses fit and are more comfortable than pants - so I am still hanging out in pre-pregnancy everything these days.
Stretch Marks: No

Best Moment this Week: Finding out that everything was OK and that I was not experiencing pre-term labor.

Movement: It has picked up in frequency but has not gotten any stronger.  Although I am starting to think Kate thinks my bladder is a trampoline/ punching bag as all of her movement seems to be right at/around my bladder.

Food Cravings: I guess milk needs to go here...
Labor Signs: Yes - I am still having contractions but not as many.  We are hoping they are infection related but, my doctor believes they are actual contractions and not Braxton Hicks.  They need to stop!

Belly Button Innie or Outtie: Innie

What are You Looking Forward to this Week: Heading back to Mississippi and seeing friends and family for a few days!  One of our dear friends just graduated from Officers School for the Army and his family is hosting a crawfish boil!  I am super excited to eat crawfish but super bummed no beer will be included this year!

April 6, 2010

Mmmmm.....MILK!!!

Ok - so I am not sure if this classifies as a "craving" or not.  If so, then I guess I retract my previous statements about cravings being fake.  However, I am not in a " I will die if I don't get milk" state so I am thinking this is just my body telling me I need more calcium or maybe I have a problem admitting I may have been wrong. 

So, back to milk.  I have never been a fan - yes I like my cereal to not be hard and crunchy so I use milk and yes I think chocolate milk is yummy (but honestly, who doesn't)!  But, I have never been one of those people to just pour a glass and enjoy it.

Until Sunday!  Alex was on the phone with my MIL (mother in law) and she said I need to be drinking milk.  I think I replied with "you have lost your mind, I don't drink milk".  Um, I take that back.  I apparently do now!  Alex went to the grocery and got me the good stuff (well not the super good stuff but 2% instead of skim) and I am loving it!  I have gone through a half gallon in about 36 hours!  It is such a yummy, filling snack!

So, whether it is a craving or my body telling me I need more calcium, I am loving this new development.  And, at least it isn't something like chocolate.  Milk is healthy and I am so glad about that!!!

April 4, 2010

He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia

Happy Easter!

Alex and I had a pretty low key day this year. After sleeping most of yesterday due to my contraction ordeal, I managed to get up this morning and get ready for Church. We were visiting a new church (that just so happens to be associated with our #1 daycare center).

The service was nice - more of a coffee house feel than a "church" with round tables set up to sit at, a coffee bar, and breakfast available. Lots of young families, which was nice to see! It was obviously a contemporary service - the band was a bit over the top for my taste but I really loved the minister. I find that a lot of preachers at very contemporary churches give more of a motivational speech rather than preach from the Bible. But, this guy gave an awesome sermon and preached straight from Luke 24. It was a great Easter message!

My Dad is a minister (and one of the best preachers I have EVER heard) so, I am hard to please when it comes to delivering a message. It is a big deal that I was impressed!

After church we came home and I realized I had over done it. I was having random contractions so, Alex set me up on the couch and I haven't moved much all day.

I sent him to the grocery with our list - 1.5 hours and almost $200 later, Alex came home with all kinds of unnecessary goodies! He cooked dinner and has been doing a good job keeping me off of my feet.

I am very anxious to see what my Peri will say about this weekend’s activities - I'll be talking with her in the morning.

I hope everyone had a wonderful day. I am so excited that this is my last Easter longing for a baby to bring to church in sweet Easter clothes. Next year is finally my turn - and I can promise you Kate will be decked out in a smocked dress and bonnet!

April 3, 2010

Crazy Day

So, I made my first trip to the Labor and Delivery ward at Woman's hospital today. I hope to not go back until Kate has cooked a LOT longer and is nice and fat and ready to come!

I woke up this morning and didn't feel right but got up and called to vet since Sadie needed to get in to get groomed. I dropped her off at the vet and headed home. When I got home I noticed that I was having lower back pain and tightening in my stomach. I started realizing that it kept happening so, I started to time what I assume were contractions.

By 9:30 they were coming every 10-15 minutes and were not comfortable so, I called the afterhours line at my clinic and was told if they didn't slow in 45 minutes to go to the hospital. They got a bit better but, didn't go away so the on-call doctor wanted me to go in just to be safe.

I called Alex (he was out kayaking in Galveston) to let him know what was going on and headed to the hospital. The hospital was great - they were expecting me and I walked right in to a room. I had maybe 2 or 3 contractions the entire time I was there. Almost everything checked out great but my urine sample showed some bacteria. Apparently when you are pregnant a UTI can cause contractions.

So, I got a script for antibiotics and was told to limit my activity this weekend. I am so glad it was something minor. I was freaking out there for a bit as I am well aware that 18 weeks is WAY too early to start having regular contractions. I will call my doctor on Monday and probably have a follow up this week.

Thanks to all who kept Alex, Kate, and I in your prayers!

April 1, 2010

Today's Appointment!

Everything looks great!

Kate is still a girl (but I couldn't resist pulling one over on my sister and calling to let her know that Kate magically grew some "parts" and was now a boy - thank you April Fool's Day) and was looking great! She is weighing in at a little over 6 ounces and is about 6.5 inches long. Sweet thing has a precious profile too (I will upload her latest picture when I get home).

My blood pressure was great but I didn't gain any weight at all. My doctor wasn't too happy with that but, I don't know what else I can do. I am eating LOTS of food - I can't help that healthier choices are more appealing to me these days. So, to try and appease her and Alex, I ate a hamburger and fries for lunch. We will discuss our weight gain plan at my next appointment in 2 weeks if I am still holding out at 4-5 pounds gained.

The biggest discussion of the day was about Kate's birth. Due to some complications that I had early in this pregnancy, I am having very irrational fears regarding stillbirth, my emotions during the laboring process, and the fact that our closest family member is a 7 hour drive away (with my parents being a 2.5 hour flight away). I am having severe anxiety over the fact that I may not have the support system I need during my labor and delivery and just needed to let me doctor know how I was feeling.

My doctor is amazing and listened to everything I was concerned about and told me not to worry at all. Given the complications I had early on, and all of my emotions/ feelings about the laboring process, we will be inducing labor at 38 or 39 weeks depending on the doctor's schedule to ensure she is available to deliver Kate.

I know some people will want to vocalize their opinion on this and quite frankly I don't care what anyone thinks about MY birth plan. I am doing what is best for me, my family, and my daughter. So, please don't waste your breath trying to convince me that the rate of needing a c-section is higher with an elective early induction, or how evil a c-section may be. The only people that have the right to voice their opinions are Alex, our family, and a handful of close friends that know the extent of the complications and issues that I have faced during this pregnancy (and I have the right to ignore them too)!

Lastly, I have to have an echocardiogram done on my heart next Tuesday due to a pre-existing heart condition I have so, if you could keep me in your thoughts that would be great - I just hope everything still looks good with me so I can keep on growing little miss Kate!!
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